-Before you judge me, read the whole article and find out the reasons behind my Disneyland skepticism, and what I realized during my trip.-

When we think of Disneyland, sunny skies, warm weather, and most of all, HAPPINESS, comes to mind. Contrary to popular belief, there was a period in my time where my feelings towards the Happiest Place on Earth were not good thoughts. I know what you’re probably thinking- This girl is crazy and stupid. She’s just bitter because she’s never been to Disneyland and she’s jealous and doesn’t know what she’s missing out on. She probably had a messed up childhood and never watched any Disney movies growing up so she feels resentment towards the Happiest Place on Earth. She’s no fun at all and she’s stuck up and I hope she gets nightmares of Mickey Mouse haunting her in her sleep. I’m going to stop listening to her because her opinions are irrelevant and she’s going to ruin Disneyland for me. Something along those lines right? I have found some articles on why some people agree with me:Why Disneyland is not the happiest place on Earth / Multiple Yahoo answer forums on why Disneyland sucks /A mother’s take on why she hates Disneyland /
Anyways, you get the point. I thought Disneyland was overpriced, wait times were too long, it was too crowded, and everything inside the theme park was a scheme to take your money. Plus, all throughout my university career, we are essentially brainwashed into hating everything about giant corporations (including Disneyland) which is probably why I started to dislike Disneyland in the first place, when I went as a child I loved it. Watch the documentary named “The Corporation” by Naomi Klein, it will give you a fair representation of what I am taught at school. Or read about political economy and Marxism. If hate on corporations is all you ever learn about, you’ll hate it too. I’m sure all my fellow Communication classmates can agree with me on that? All these factors played a role in my avoidance in going to Disneyland, much to the disbelief of my friends (Hi Brandon & Eileen! Love you guys!), but keep reading to find out what changed my mind.

Honestly, when I finally arrived at Disneyland I was really excited, but guilty that I felt excited. I was with some of the people I love and care most about, including my two silly little cousins dressed in sparkly pink princess dresses. The realization sunk in that while Disneyland is overpriced, overcrowded, (and that the company will do anything to squeeze out the remaining dollar bills you have inside the $60 Minnie mouse hoodie you bought that was too tight, but you bought it anyways because it was cute), Disneyland really IS an amazing and happy world. I think part of the reason why Disneyland is so magical and awesome is because all the visitors are there for a common goal. People visit Disneyland as an escape from reality. When we all come together and witness Disneyland in all its overpriced glory and beauty, it is wonderful and worth the price you pay. Everyone there (mostly) is in a good mood, which allows for happy memories. The time I spent in Disneyland was probably one of the best times I’ve had. It was nice to be able to taste Summer in January, wear tanks and shorts while eating ice cream, having the sun shine down on you while you dry off from the Grizzly Bear Run ride (yet the fake snow after the fireworks makes it feel like you’re in a warm Winter wonderland). Disneyland operates in a way that satisfies it’s visitors by allowing an escape from reality and creating happiness (via extravagant water and light shows, fireworks, rides, parades, and allowing you to meet your favourite childhood characters). It’s been almost a month since I went and I still go through my Disneyland pictures daily. I still miss it there and would go back in a heartbeat (If I could afford another plane ticket and spending money). Disneyland, I’m coming back for you.